Shannon and John recently welcomed this beautiful baby boy into their lives, and wanted to commemorate his first Christmas with some family photos.  Their green and red theme was perfect – you’d think this would be a common choice but it isn’t, so if you’re tempted to go for Christmas colors I’d definitely say go for it!

Shannon is working on a neurology fellowship at URMC and John works with the x-ray technology used in security systems at airports. They recently relocated from Baltimore.

Sebastian was absolutely perfect in every way. He was a chill sort of baby (just like his very calm parents) and wasn’t particularly interested in smiling but wasn’t unhappy either.  Some babies are like that and that’s great too.  We’re all about real life over here.

People often ask if I have a studio and I do not, on purpose.  Instead, in the winter months we either head outside, meet at your home, or go to a few great indoor Rochester locations. The Memorial Art Gallery is a great space for this – especially on a weekday morning when it tends to be quiet and peaceful, and/or around Christmas when they have lots of Christmas trees and lights around.

Thank you so much Shannon and John for sharing your beautiful family with me!

In September TJ, Andy and Betsy welcomed their beautiful baby Abigail into the world.

You may remember Betsy’s peaceful snowy maternity session. They had a babymoon in Naples and invited me out to photograph their last weekend away before the baby arrived.

A few weeks later, baby TJ made his appearance. Then he grew a little bit more, and a little bit more, and then he was a big brother.

Betsy and Andy chose to have their session in their home, which is a great idea after having a new baby because it’s easier than going anywhere. Kids are especially on board with this plan – even more so when they’ve been thrown for a little bit of a loop by having a new sibling added to the mix.

Sometimes people skip over the newborn window for a number of reasons and that’s totally fine. Newborn photos are great, but babies can really be photographed at any time. I mean, how can you go wrong with baby pictures?

So if you find yourself not completely on the ball after having a baby (and really, who is?), don’t let that stop you if you really want to capture the fleeting moments of your baby’s first year.

Thank you so much Andy and Betsy for sharing your beautiful family with me! It’s always a joy to spend time with you.

Jing recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy that she and her husband named Jimmy.  They’re both Chinese and in Chinese tradition the baby’s first 100 days is a huge celebration.  It’s intended to wish the baby 100 years of life and relatives celebrate it by bringing gifts including clothing, jewelry, and shoes.

We had the session at Jimmy’s home with his grandparents and parents. Portable studio lighting means that we have complete freedom regarding time of day and location. We set up in Jimmy’s living room which makes it super easy on parents and the baby. Some day I’ll remember to do a pull back shot.

He had a sweet, easy going personality, and the traditional Chinese baby clothing was perhaps the cutest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.

He also had some amazing baby thighs.

Jimmy’s grandparents were here from China for a few months. They didn’t speak English, which was kind of a bummer because it would have been amazing to get to know them a little. But even with the language barrier it was clear that they are completely in love with this baby.

By the end of the session he was ready to take a nap.

If you’d like to learn more about Baby Bundles, click here. It’s an easy way to memorialize a baby’s first year.

Sue requested a more candid look to their family portraits this fall, which made me a little nervous since some people say that and then when they look at their proofs realize they actually wanted more traditional images.  Sue did not fall in that category.  She asked for playful and she wanted playful – it was a win!

Interestingly, “candid” style photos are posed in the same way as more traditional images but the main difference is where you’re looking. In the latter you look straight at the camera and in the former you look at each other. Even when you’ve been married a long time, that can actually be kind of awkward.

But that’s okay because then you smile more.

And let’s be honest, it’s easier to get kids to look pretty much anywhere besides the camera.

Martin was chasing Matteo around before the session and I had to call them both to come to where Sue, Mia and I were. I got the impression that Martin would much rather be chasing Matteo around through the creek than hanging out for a photo session.

Flash Back: Mia, 9 days old

You blink and they’re no longer newborns.

Sue did not self-identify as a dress-your-baby-in-tutus kind of mom until she had a daughter.

Matteo made himself at home in front of the camera.

Sue and Martin, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful family with me again.  It is a joy to watch them grow!

If anyone in my family were injured, these calm, compassionate people would be on my A list.

Their son Asher surprised them with an early birth and resulted in some modified birth plans, but is happy and healthy and insisted on sleeping through the ENTIRE session. Valerie compared him to a giant newborn.

We connected through Beautiful Birth Choices which is a local business that supports and empowers women through pregnancy and childbirth.  If you’re in that phase of life I’d highly recommend the services they offer – especially their childbirth classes.

Aaron and Valerie were married last summer and Valerie made her entrance on this canoe across the river to the spot where the previous photos were taken. They’ve had a very eventful year.

We headed back to their house for some family photos with *every* member of the family.

And last but not least, the epic dad/baby photo.

Thank you so much for sharing your family with me. I hope you have an equally exciting year this year watching Asher grow!

Lindsey and Nick welcomed their healthy baby boy Harlon into the world on his due date.

When I got to their home, Nick was still at work so we started with some images of Lindsey and Harlon.

He was too big for traditional newborn posing, but still looked pretty adorable in a crate.

Shortly before Harlon was born they moved to a beautiful home in Geneva with a pond and woods out back.

Nick is a hunter so Lindsey had bought a camo baby hat for him.

It looked like Lindsey had a lot of fun decorating the nursery.

A few fun facts: Harlon and I are birthday buddies and he’s 4 days younger than my little guy.

A very belated congratulations Lindsey and Nick! I hope you’re enjoying parenthood!